3 Contents Acknowledgements Abstract 1. Introduction 2. Background and policy context 3. The evidence base on older LGB service users of health and social care 4. Key themes emerging out of the evidence that exists 5. Evidence of positive and improving practice 6. Conclusions Note: The views expressed in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Commission. The Commission is publishing the report as a contribution to discussion and debate. Please contact the Research Team for further information about other Commission research reports, or visit our website: Research Team Equality and Human Rights Commission Arndale House The Arndale Centre Manchester M4 3AQ Telephone: Website: 3

4 Don t look back? Improving health and social care service delivery for older LGB users Acknowledgements The authors wish to thank everyone who participated in discussions on the content of this paper during a one-day event at the Equality and Human Rights Commission office in Manchester and the LGBT Lives seminar at Edinburgh University. We would particularly like to thank Sue Botcherby and her colleagues in policy and research at the Equality and Human Rights Commission for their support and comments on an earlier draft of this paper. 4

5 Abstract There are wide gaps in knowledge about the lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) UK population in relation to their physical and mental health outcomes, use of health and social services and experiences of health and social care more generally. Very little data exists that compares LGB and heterosexual populations. The evidence is even more limited for older LGB people. The existing evidence suggests that LGB people face many of the same issues as other members of society when ageing, including health and care concerns, however, their experiences and needs are mediated through a range of forms of disadvantage and discrimination related to their sexual orientation, and other aspects of their identities. Understanding how this affects the lives of older LGB people, and what it may mean to be older and LGB when accessing health and social care is at the heart of this paper. The paper demonstrates how older LGB people have been overlooked in health and social care legislation, policy, research, guidance and practice which assume service users are heterosexual. The existing evidence points to discrimination and anticipation of negative treatment when older LGB people access services. Particular health and social care issues require greater attention and action: for example older LGB people may be likely to have different mental health needs to their heterosexual peers; some older gay men may become infected with HIV in their 50s or 60s, or are already living with it, and we know that older adults may present later than their younger counterparts for a diagnosis. Older adults appear to be a rising proportion of the overall population diagnosed with HIV, therefore prevention programmes will need to include older people, including gay men. LGB high level service users who are frail and depend upon care services, and LGB carers, have received the least attention, along with people with dementia or people requiring end of life care. The potential exists for the provision of care and support to older LGB people to become a litmus test an indicator for how well health and social care agencies engage with minority groups and deliver a non-discriminatory service that works for service users. 5

6 Don t look back? Improving health and social care service delivery for older LGB users 1. Introduction Older LGB women and men have lived through periods of time when they had very few rights or protection in law as homosexuality was criminalised and pathologised (it was not until 1993 that the Government removed homosexuality from its list of psychiatric disorders in England and Wales. In Scotland it was 2000). In October 2009, the Equality and Human Rights Commission published research that included evidence on the prejudice and discrimination LGB people can face when accessing health and social care services (Equality and Human Rights Commission, 2009), though the impact of such treatment over time is not well understood. The new Equality Act 2010 updates, simplifies and strengthens pre-existing legislation and provides a new crosscutting legislative framework to protect the rights of individuals and advance equality of opportunity for all. Sexual orientation and age have been given a similar status to other protected characteristics (for example, disability, gender and race). The Act established a new Public Sector Equality Duty to ensure that public bodies consider how their policies, programmes and service delivery affect a wider range of groups, including LGB people of all ages, in order to eliminate prohibited conduct, promote good relations and advance equality of opportunity. The Equality and Human Rights Commission commissioned this paper to provide an overview of the available UK evidence relating to older LGB individuals who use, or may be in need of, health and social care services in order to improve our understanding of their experiences and needs and to inform service delivery in the future. Aims The aims of this paper are to: n Highlight what is known about the experiences of older LGB women and men when accessing health and social care provision. n Highlight what is known about the diverse health and social care needs of older LGB women and men, given that this group is not homogenous. n Outline where the health and social care needs of older LGB women and men may be different to those of older heterosexual women and men. n Highlight examples of health and social care services, where the needs of older LGB women and men are understood and met. n Suggest what needs to be done to meet the health and social care needs of older LGB women and men. 6

7 The paper considers the perspectives and experiences of older LGB people and highlights the reasons why we should pay particular attention to their situation as users of health and social care. Written in the style of a think-piece, we review the limited but growing UK evidence available in order to discuss the findings and inform service delivery. At the heart of the paper is a recognition that older LGB individuals are often absent from research, policy and provision, as initiatives that consider the perspectives of older people are rarely inclusive of LGB people and efforts to address the needs of the LGB communities tend to neglect older people. Older LGB people are not a homogenous group gender, ethnicity, educational attainment, income and many other characteristics underpin their needs and influence their ability to access help and support. In health and social care policy older service users are also disaggregated on the basis of their level of need and use of services. For instance the National Service Framework for Older People (DH, 2001) suggests three groupings, namely: n those entering old age who live active and independent lives n those making the transition from independence to frailty, and n those individuals who are frail and may have accompanying conditions that require care and support. 7

8 Don t look back? Improving health and social care service delivery for older LGB users 2. Background and policy context 2.1 Ageing Britain: Older LGB people and social change Until recently it has seemed almost obligatory to open any commentary on ageing with forecasts of a demographic time-bomb whereby older people are often cast as an unaffordable drain on the public purse. Indeed, with an ageing population comes a rise in many health conditions associated with old age and a consequent increase in demand for welfare services. However, a counter-narrative has begun to emerge where the capacities and contributions made by older people are gaining recognition, tied to a broader shift toward service users taking greater control and responsibility for their health. The nature of the contributions made by older generations to the economy and family life is now well established, as is the importance to health and wellbeing of social inclusion and participation. Yet we need to look beyond blanket references to old age and consider the social and cultural diversity of these older populations (Dannefer, 2006; Social Exclusion Unit, 2006). To date, older LGB groups have attracted limited coverage in policy on later life despite government concerns with fairness and equity. Whilst it is currently difficult to enumerate the older LGB population (estimates vary from 2-10 per cent, Aspinall, 2009), a necessarily crude estimate would suggest the numbers of older lesbian and gay men in the UK may be up to 1.2 million people. i Beyond these statistics, however, lies a complex story involving rapid social change which has occurred within the life course of older LGB people. For example, research in both the UK and US has highlighted the emergence of families of choice, a term that denotes the range of relationships shared by LGB people that extend the boundaries of biological families (Weeks et al., 2004; Weston, 1991). However, we have yet to learn whether such chosen families evolve into networks of care for those individuals making the transition from independence to frailty. In Heaphy et al. s seminal 2003 study of 266 LGB people aged , there was overwhelming emphasis on partners as the most likely providers of care in times of chronic illness; and partners and health professionals in the case of care in old age. Few expected family members to assume this responsibility. Qualitative data revealed that friendships can be an unexpected source of care in this context. Few participants had actually made plans for care in health crises or old age. 8

9 Older LGB people remain more likely than both their heterosexual peers and younger generations of LGB people, to be single and live alone, and are less likely to have children, so they are likely to have a greater need of formal care and support (Musingarimi, 2008). For this reason alone there is a pressing need to consider how welfare services can render themselves accessible and appropriate to this particular group. 2.2 The legislative framework and the strengthening of equality laws The response to older LGB people s health and social care needs are regulated by the measures which establish health and social services and rights-based legislation. Applying to all adults are the legislative arrangements that regulate the National Health Service (NHS), based upon the universal principle of free treatment according to clinical need. This includes a commitment to challenge any discrimination in service provision on the grounds of sexuality (DH, 2006). The primary legislative measures in England and Wales for social care are Sections 46 and 47 of the National Health Service and Community Care Act More recently, the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act (2000) have enacted important changes that should protect LGB people (and their carers) with provision for a Lasting Power of Attorney, designed to ensure that the wishes of older people are recognised and executed. Social care legislation requires the establishment of need within the context of both eligibility criteria and a means tested assessment of an individual s ability to contribute to the cost of their care. This legislation is also influenced by equality legislation which protects the rights of all LGB people, namely: The Equality Act (2006), The Equality Act (2010), the Civil Partnership Act (2004) and The Equality Act (Sexual Regulations) (2007). The Equality Acts 2006 and 2010 make it illegal to discriminate on the grounds of sexual orientation in the provision of goods and services, and the Human Rights Act 1998 confirms that such discrimination is an infringement of human rights. Health and social care agencies are required to identify and remedy areas in which they are not providing equality of treatment. The introduction of the Single Equality Duty will strengthen action on inequality and better services for older LGB users. 2.3 Contemporary service reform in health and social care Health and social care policy in the UK has been aimed at developing a person-centred approach for the arrangement of individual care services under the banner of the personalisation agenda. This holds the prospect of a significant change in how care is organised for all age groups (HM Government, 2007 and Department of Health, 1998), not least by enhancing choice and control of individual care arrangements. The intention is to transform the lives of people in need (DH, 2006), achieved in part through the dual 9

10 Don t look back? Improving health and social care service delivery for older LGB users devices of Direct Payments and Individual Budgets, ensuring that each individual will receive a cash value attributed to their care needs. For older LGB people this affords the prospect of exercising greater choice over their own care arrangements and a closer fit with their own circumstances. There is little evidence to date, however, that the additional costs associated with sexuality sensitive care provision are being recognised and translated into financial provision (Gulland, 2009). The National Service Framework for Older People (DH, 2001) set out a programme of improving the minimum standards in 8 areas of health and social care service provision for older people. Equally, the National Minimum Standards (DH, 2003) establishes standards of care provision within the residential care sector. Both of these documents represent another significant move in establishing minimum standards of care for older people. Developments in the adult safeguarding agenda partly through the review of the No Secrets circular in England (DH, 2009) and the In safe hands circular of the Welsh Assembly Government ensure that substandard care practices are increasingly viewed as both abusive and/or neglectful, which in turn warrant investigation. All of these measures represent additional degrees of oversight/regulation of health and social care service provision in general and when associated with the equality legislation provide the tools to better address the needs of older LGB users. However, in recent policy on later life, including the National Carers Strategy (DoH, 2008a), the End of Life Care Strategy (DoH, 2008b), the National Dementia Strategy (DoH, 2009) and the Dignity agenda (RCN, 2008), the extent to which older LGB service users are recognised, or their needs acknowledged, varies markedly, with little sign of a coherent policy response. The End of Life Care Strategy makes one brief reference to gay or lesbian carers, for example, and the National Dementia Strategy omits issues of sexual orientation, despite a commitment to serving diverse populations. 10

11 3. The evidence base on older LGB service users of health and social care 3.1 Mainstream research and monitoring There are wide gaps in knowledge about the LGB UK population in relation to their physical and mental health outcomes, use of health and social services and experiences of health and social care more generally. Very little data exists that compares LGB and heterosexual populations. The evidence is even more limited for older LGB people. Historically, there has been a persistent omission of sexual orientation from mainstream research and data-gathering within service provision to older people. There is also, as stated earlier, a corresponding lack of supporting data available concerning the demographics of the LGB population and sub-groups (Purdam et al., 2007; Aspinall, 2009). As a result, any evidence that does exist concerning older LGB users tends to be set apart from broader debates in gerontology and welfare policy and concern for the particular disadvantages faced by these groups remains an under-theorised adjunct to broader policy debates on health inequalities. A number of major surveys measuring socioeconomic circumstances, such as the decennial Census and Understanding Society, the new United Kingdom Longitudinal Household Survey, do not currently include any questions on sexual orientation. Others have included age bars that exclude older respondents such as the National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles 2000 (NATSAL), with a cut-off at 44 years. However, there are signs of change. The 2010 NATSAL will extend the age range of those surveyed to 74 years. In Scotland, plans have been announced to add a standard question on sexual orientation to major national surveys (NHS, Scotland 2010). Many NHS Trusts and local authorities now routinely gather information on sexual orientation across all adult service users, although it is not yet clear how this information is being analysed and used. In addition, questions regarding the sexual orientation of users have been introduced by regulating bodies such as the Care Quality Commission, for instance in their Annual Quality Assurance Assessment which applies across all registered adult social care providers including care homes. In primary care, the GP Patient Survey now has questions on both age and sexual orientation, allowing for the potential of data extraction and analysis of older LGB respondents. 11

12 Don t look back? Improving health and social care service delivery for older LGB users At present, these questions are optional and existing evidence suggests that in certain situations older LGB people may be more reluctant to disclose their sexual orientation than younger groups (Warner, 2004; Fish, 2009) so it is likely that any data gathered will significantly underrepresent the proportions of older LGB service users. There are also practical considerations, such as whether support is available for disabled individuals to complete forms and staff not understanding the need for a question on sexual orientation (or indeed being opposed to its inclusion) and so not asking it. Mainstream health and social care research is not widely inclusive of LGB service users, meaning that the potential for comparisons across LGB and heterosexual groups is limited at present. Meads et al. (2009) suggest that without recording sexual orientation on hospital admissions or death records, the extent to which useful comparisons can be drawn between LGB individuals and the heterosexual population is currently limited in health. As Price (2005) has argued, in relation to research into dementia in particular, there is a tendency to homogenise perceptions of those diagnosed so that the notion of sexual identity becomes submerged below other, perhaps more visible issues. 3.2 Research with older LGB people Older LGB people s experiences of health and social care are generally underresearched (Mitchell et al., 2009), with the result that they are largely unacknowledged as service users (Pugh, 2005). Funding has focused on (mainly men s) sexual health with less information available on older bisexual and lesbian women. Most existing studies involve small samples (less than 50 participants) reflecting the challenges associated with identification and recruitment. There is a tendency to use convenience sampling and snow-ball recruitment methods which lead to a focus upon more visible LGB individuals and those people who constitute what the National Service Framework for Older People (2001) describes as the entering old age group of largely healthy and independent individuals. Moreover, there is a consistent under-representation of certain groups including those 75+ years ( Older tends to be defined as over 50 years of age) people from ethnic minority groups, and bisexual men and women. There are also relatively few studies actually undertaken in health and social care settings (Addis et al., 2009) hence much of the research that does exist tends to be either retrospective or prospective, asking participants to anticipate their future support needs and preferences for care, rather than focusing on those currently using or in need of services. 12

13 4. Key themes emerging out of the evidence that exists There are a number of over-arching issues that consistently appear in the research and literature on LGB experiences of health and social care including that involving older users: a) Accessing services discrimination and negative treatment b) Service delivery invisibility and assumed heterosexuality c) LGB specific health and social care issues The following section explores these themes in more detail. 4.1 Accessing services discrimination and negative treatment Discrimination, and the anticipation of negative treatment, remains an endemic issue in the lives of LGB people (Hunt and Dick, 2008). Older LGB individuals who are long-term mental health service users (who sometimes describe themselves as survivors ) may also have had negative past experiences of these services and of the professions that provide them. It was only in 1973 that homosexuality was removed as a mental disorder from the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and until this time LGB service users were subject to aversion therapies including electro-therapy, see Smith et al., 2004 and King et al., 2004). In addition, older LGB individuals have faced historical exposure to severe stigma and discrimination. Prolonged exposure to discrimination and stigma is recognised as having a detrimental impact upon physical and mental health outcomes (Keogh et al., 2006; Wintrip, 2009), although little attention has been given to the cumulative nature of discrimination over time for LGB groups (Cant and Taket, 2004). In a study for the Commission only 49 per cent of LGB people aged 60 and over, reported that they could be open about their sexual orientation without fear of prejudice in their local health practice or hospital (Ellison and Gunstone, 2009). This followed Heaphy et al. s 2003 study, where they found that half of survey participants (53 per cent) were out to health professionals. Only 35 per cent believed health professionals to be positive towards non-heterosexual clients. A notably smaller percentage (16 per cent) trusted health professionals to be generally knowledgeable about non-heterosexual lifestyles. Findings also suggest that older users of mental health services are less likely to disclose their sexual orientation than younger users (Warner et al., 2004). However in Brighton, there is evidence that older LGB people are more likely to disclose their sexual identity to a GP than younger people in the local 13

14 Don t look back? Improving health and social care service delivery for older LGB users context, suggesting that perceived improvements in practice can improve willingness to disclose over time. In the same study, 85 per cent of respondents said they will give information regarding their sexual/gender identities if they believe the service is lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) friendly and the data is confidential and anonymous (CMIT, 2009). There is a growing stock of evidence of the experience of using services and encounters with practitioners based upon first-hand accounts from older LGB users (for example: CMIT, 2009; River, 2006; Gay and Grey, 2006; Kitchen, 2003), much of which reveals the sometimes subtle and more everyday experiences of discrimination faced by these groups when seeking support. I was in for a smear, and erm the doctor said to me, oh you don t need one you ve had a hysterectomy And I said Oh right and I felt glad because I didn t have to have one and I went to move off the bed, off the couch thing and I said erm, Does it make any difference if I m a lesbian? And he stepped back, and I felt oh god, it s almost like, I dunno Interviewer Did he say anything? Erm no, no, no almost like he didn t want to discuss it (Older lesbian interviewee quoted in Bytheway et al., 2007) I came out in the 50s and that was shit now I am dependent on carers and I am frightened I am very frightened of them what if they find out that I am a lesbian what are they going to do to me I have de-gayed my house this is much worse than the 50s. I want to be able to be gay in my last days I don t want to have to hide again and I particularly don t want to have to hide because the home help is coming round (Older lesbian interviewee quoted in Pugh, 2010) 4.2 Service delivery invisibility and assumed heterosexuality The professional bodies that regulate the education and training of nurses (Nursing and Midwifery Council), social workers (currently the General Social Care Council) and allied health professionals (Health Care Professions Council) all now require professional training that includes consideration of discrimination and equal treatment. These issues are also translated into national vocational qualifications for care staff. Despite evidence that changes are occurring within health and social care more broadly, they appear to be happening less rapidly in services to older people. For instance, sexual orientation has been relatively neglected in education and training for health and social care workers with older users. Some guidance on good or progressive practice does exist, though the majority has been produced in the last five 14

15 years (for example: Cosis Brown, 2008; CSCI, 2008; Fish, 2009; Ward and Jones, 2010; RCN, 2003), including some that focuses specifically on older LGB users (for example: Bayliss, 2000; Concannon, 2009; Price, 2008; Fenge et al., 2008; Langley, 2001; Pugh, 2005 and Pugh et al., 2007). Certain commentators have argued for a model of cultural competence in practice (Charnley and Langley, 2007). Cultural competence is developing an awareness of the beliefs, needs and preferences of different cultural groups, and providing culturally appropriate services for diverse older people. Other commentators have been critical of a culturally competent approach, that over-simplifies sexual identity and culture (Hicks and Watson, 2003; Ward and Jones, 2010). Individual health and social care staff have been left to their own devices in dealing with the range of situations, resulting in great variations in understanding, skill and competence (Musingarimi, 2008; CSCI, 2008). A number of studies have revealed that practitioners avoid raising issues of sexuality with older service users (Gott et al., 2004, Price, 2009). Charnley and Langley (2007) observe that in adult social services, sexual orientation is absent from charting patterns of referral, assessment, service allocation and staff recruitment. In a study conducted by CSCI (2008); only 7 per cent of care homes and 8 per cent of domiciliary care providers reported carrying out specific work around equality for LGB people and less than 1 per cent of care homes had done any specific work around sexual orientation and assessment or care planning. The National Service Framework for Older People (2001) makes much of the need to provide culturally appropriate services that reflect the diversity of the populations they serve (p. 4). However, older LGB people usually use services that assume they are heterosexual and have an opposite sex partner for help and support. My (former) GP prescribed HRT and said that it should make my husband happy. I was stunned by the sexist and heterosexist assumptions wrapped up in this comment. Older lesbian respondent quoted in River (forthcoming) Recently after the death of my partner I went to see my doctor, who wasn t available that day, so I saw another member of the practice and my notes were all there... and I was feeling really very low and physically not well either, and this doctor dealt with my physical issues and then I just sat there and I said to him, Do you believe in dealing with people holistically? [It was] a bit of a shock to him to hear that and he said, Of course I do. Is there anything else? and I said, Yes, I m bereaved, and he said, Oh, did you lose your wife?, and I was so angry at that stupid response that I just said, No, it was my partner and I m going. Goodbye. (Gay man, 63 years, quoted in Bytheway et al., 2007) 15

16 Don t look back? Improving health and social care service delivery for older LGB users Until practices include LGB sexual orientation adequately in guidance, education, training, service user surveys or monitoring, services will continue to ignore LGB needs. Less well documented are the less accessible aspects of provision such as decision taking on expenditure and resourcing or discriminatory practices in closed environments such as care homes. In residential settings the sexual expression of residents is commonly problematised creating conditions where LGB individuals may be particularly vulnerable to discriminatory treatment (Ward et al., 2005). Providers in sheltered and residential care demonstrate limited awareness and understanding about sexual orientation (Hubbard and Rossington, 1995; CSCI, 2008; Knocker, 2003). Evidence points to the inappropriate use of safeguarding procedures in response to LGB users entering into relationships and disapproval toward same-sex partners staying overnight in residential environments (CSCI, 2008). In the UK this is an area where further research is required, as much of the evidence base is from North America. For example in Canada, Brotman et al. (2003) found that signs of affection between lesbian and gay people within residential institutions have not been understood by the staff and as a result caused conflict. Apart from a lack of support for families of choice, discrimination against gay and lesbian older people in US residential settings was also found to include incidences or threats of involuntary outing, neglect and physical and sexual assault (Bradford and Ryan, 1987; Stevens and Hall, 1988; Bybee 1991). Concerns have been expressed regarding the training given to agency workers delivering personal care, and whether they are adequately aware of the importance of respecting older people s sexual orientation in service delivery (River, 2006). Older LGB people are entitled to increased choice and control over their care through payments made directly to them. This means that people can attempt to personalise their own care, so that it works for them. In a 2008 CSCI survey of LGB people using social care services, two-thirds said that they did not specifically want to be supported by LGB staff as long as the staff they encountered were positive about the sexual orientation of their service users. A proportion of service users do prefer to be supported by LGB, or identifiably LGB friendly staff, although there are no obvious systems in place to assist users in identifying gay friendly care workers (Gulland, 2009). 4.3 Specific health and social care issues The existing evidence suggests that LGB people face many of the same issues as other members of society when ageing, including health and care concerns. However, their experiences and needs are mediated through a disadvantage and discrimination related to their sexual orientation and other aspects of their identities. This section addresses the specific health and social care issues affecting older LGB people. 16

17 Health The general literature on health inequalities largely ignores sexual orientation, although a number of studies and reviews have drawn attention to the particular health needs of LGB groups (e.g. Hunt and Fish, 2008; Hunt and Minsky, 2007; Meads et al., 2007, Scott et al., 2004). These reports consistently highlight certain differences between LGB groups and the general population, although it is not always possible to determine whether such differences are statistically significant. The balance of evidence available to date, points to two key health issues for older LGB people compared to older heterosexual people. Mental health King et al., in 2008, undertook a systematic review of the international research literature to establish whether LGB people are at higher risk of mental disorder (including substance misuse), suicide, suicidal ideation and deliberate self-harm than heterosexual people and to quantify this risk. The study extracted prevalence estimates and/or odds ratios for mental disorder, substance misuse and deliberate self-harm/suicidal ideation/suicide in LGB people and control groups. The included papers contained data on 207,420 heterosexual and 11,647 non-heterosexual people aged from 12 to over 74 years. They found that LGB people are at significantly higher risk of suicidal behaviour, mental health conditions, substance misuse and substance dependence than heterosexual people. There was a two-fold excess of suicide attempts and suicidal ideas in LGB people measured over the preceding 12 months or over the lifetime. Depression in the preceding 12 months was found to be two to three times more prevalent in LGB people. LGB people had more than twice the risk of alcohol dependence and almost three times the risk of drug dependence in the preceding 12 months. They conclude that the difficulties LGB people face in an unsympathetic society are likely explanations for these findings. The Count Me in Too project gathered data through discussion groups and questionnaires completed by over 800 LGBT people of all ages who live, work or socialise in the Brighton and Hove area. Findings from the study highlighted mental health as a priority across all age groups, with older LGB people more likely to rate their mental health as poor compared to younger groups (CMIT, 2009). Polari (a voluntary organisation that worked specifically with older LGB groups) consistently identified mental health issues as a priority for project participants throughout its lifetime. Despite increased vulnerability to certain mental health conditions in later life, some mental health services are unavailable for service users over 65, leading to claims that the mental health system is failing those over 65 years of age (Lee, 2006 and 2007). Given what is known about the particular mental health needs of both LGB and older groups there remains a worrying silence specifically concerning older LGB individuals and their experiences of mental health and of the services intended to support those with mental health needs. 17

18 Don t look back? Improving health and social care service delivery for older LGB users HIV An ageing population living with HIV is becoming a reality. The number of people aged over 50 years living with HIV in the UK increased from 1,200 to just over 6,000 Elford et al. (2008). HIV infected adults aged 50 years and over accessing care more than tripled between 2000 and 2009 from 2,432 to 12,063 representing one in five of all adults seen for HIV care in This is due to an ageing cohort of people previously diagnosed as well as an increase in new diagnoses among the over 50s. New diagnoses among older adults more than doubled between 2000 and 2009, and accounted for 13 per cent of all diagnoses in Two-thirds (67 per cent) were diagnosed late. Adults diagnosed when aged 50 years and over are more likely to present late compared with younger adults (15-49 years). A recent study showed that the risk of short-term mortality (death within a year of diagnosis) was 2.4 times higher for older adults compared with younger adults and older adults diagnosed very late were 14 times more likely to die within a year of their diagnosis compared with those diagnosed earlier (Health Protection Agency, 2010). Evidence suggests that gay men accounted for almost two-thirds of new infections in the UK since 2006, so remain most at risk Elford et al. (2008). The Elford et al. (2008) study reached some important conclusions regarding older gay men and HIV. It revealed that older gay men are becoming infected with HIV in their 50s and 60s, and are just as likely to report unsafe sex as younger HIV positive men. They recommend that HIV prevention programmes in the UK should target older gay men. Older people appear to be a rising proportion of those diagnosed with HIV, therefore HIV prevention programmes will need to include this group, including older gay men. A recent study carried out for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (Power et al., 2010) found that a poor response from primary care was a particularly pressing problem for older people affected by HIV. Respondents reported high levels of accompanying long-term health conditions, mobility difficulties and problems with everyday tasks. Increasingly, the long-term effects of HIV medication are also being recognised including blood disorders, kidney problems and sexual dysfunction ( With such findings in mind, Owen et al. (2009) highlight the need for liaison and closer working between specialist services, primary care and older people s services in future. Social care Older people more generally are concerned about loss of independence. Evidence suggests that dependence upon social care or institutionalisation is a significant threat to older LGB people who have experienced discrimination or may have felt unable to reveal their sexual orientation to services in their younger lives (Hubbard and Rossington, 1994). In a scoping study conducted in central London, River (2006) found that some older LGB people with support needs had delayed their uptake of social care services for as long as possible. Again, this is an area where there is a need for further research in the UK. Much existing evidence is of North American origin (e.g. Taylor and Robertson, 1994; 18

19 Claes and Moore, 2000) where welfare systems are organised and structured very differently to the UK. Issues that have received the least attention High level service users In this think-piece we are particularly keen to raise awareness of the need to consider older LGB high level service users who are frail and depend upon care services. Collectively, this group have rarely figured in research or policy into LGB needs or inequalities yet they may experience acute disadvantage and have specific needs, according to the evidence available. In a study of gender and sexual orientation in long-term care Ward et al. (2005) highlight an example from a care home where the staff group reacted with a mixture of mirth and disgust at the possibility that a female resident may have been a lesbian. Archibald (2002) describes how an older woman with dementia in a Scottish care home had support withdrawn from her during the last months of her life after she was labelled a lesbian by staff. Clover (2006) argues that more vulnerable groups are at higher risk of poor practice, but in the absence of advocates, the capacity to challenge such treatment may be limited. Dementia care It is estimated that by 2021 there will be 940,000 people with dementia in the UK, a figure that is expected to rise to over 1.7 million by 2051 (Alzheimer s Society, 2010). A range of 21,000 (2 per cent lower estimate) and 63,000 (6 per cent common estimate) LGB people may be represented in these figures though it is recognised that population figures are widely disputed and range from 2 10 per cent (Aspinall, 2009). Research on LGB people affected by dementia is currently limited and what does exist highlights the failure of service providers to recognise sexual diversity in provision (Mackenzie, 2009; Price, 2008; Ward, 2000). The National Dementia Strategy (2009) reports, for example, on a number of commissioning events at which extant and potential service users views were elicited. More than 4,000 people took part in the events but LGB groups appear to have been overlooked. The accompanying Equality Impact Assessment notes the need for further research but proposes no actions or recommendations in terms of service delivery. End of life care LGB issues in end of life care have received little attention outside of HIV-related services. The End of Life Care Strategy in England (Equality Impact Assessment) (DoH, 2008) consulted with LGB groups, concluding that sexual orientation was one of the most likely areas for discrimination to occur in end of life care, and made a commitment to staff training and awareness-raising as a result. Research conducted by Almack and colleagues (2010) found an overall failure to consult and involve older LGB users in mainstream end of life services. The authors highlight the importance of recognising families of choice and specific issues that may arise, for example, occasions when same-sex partners had been excluded from decisions in the end of life care of their partner by the family of origin. 19

20 Don t look back? Improving health and social care service delivery for older LGB users Similarly, in bereavement care and support, attention has been drawn to the notion of disenfranchised grief where LGB relationships, including friendships, have been treated less seriously by service providers at times of loss (Bevan and Thompson, 2003; River, 2006). Keogh et al. (2006) have argued for targeting support to LGB individuals at key periods of transition in the life course such as bereavement, while Fenge and Fannin (2009) also highlight bereavement as a period of heightened vulnerability for older LGB users. This can arise if their partnership status and grief is not recognised, but also because many feel unable to disclose their sexual orientation to practitioners and hence may not access appropriate support. Carers Existing research suggests that a significant proportion of older LGB individuals may have caring responsibilities (e.g. 25 per cent of 50+ years respondents in a study by Hubbard and Rossington, 1995). Outside of HIV services the needs and experiences of LGB carers are under-researched in the UK (CMIT, 2010). Wintrip (2009) found that older LGB carers of people with mental health difficulties faced a lack of support from mainstream services. In their work with older LGB caring couples, Cronin and King (2010) revealed dynamic relationships where the roles of carer and cared-for were often blurred, consequently the authors argue for the importance of practitioners recognising the often interdependent nature of LGB caring relationships. More needs to be done regarding the position of LGB carers. An example is where lesbian carers may lack recognition of their partnership by services, and therefore face multiple issues in caring for their partners (Manthorpe, 2003). LGB practitioners and services Some older LGB people would prefer exclusive LGB services, in the belief that in such an environment they would have more in common with other users of services. For other older LGB people, this is less of an issue but they would still like their LGB identity to be recognised and valued within a gay friendly environment. For others, their sexual orientation is private, and nothing to do with care providers (Gulland, 2009; CCSI, 2008). Fundamentally, these responses point to the issue of choice in service provision, which reflects their own sense of sexual identity, how they have lived their lives, and very importantly, how they wish to continue to live their lives. There is a need to open a dialogue over these issues in order to better understand the different needs and preferences of this diverse group. There is little evidence on the role of out LGB practitioners within services to older people. In other areas of health and social care, the existing evidence on LGB practitioners points to their own experiences of discrimination in the workplace, for example by being advised not to come out to clients (Hunt et al., 2007; Abbott and Howarth, 2005). Yet, out workers can be an important resource in supporting LGB service users (Quam, 2007), while formally appointed champions of LGBT issues can also help to influence positive change within care organisations (CSCI, 2008). 20

Models for Self- Directed Support broker support Getting There Discussion paper getting there Outside the Box November 2012 Introduction Introduction what this section covers: About Getting There Summary

Equality with Human Rights Analysis Toolkit The Equality Act 2010 and Human Rights Act 1998 require us to consider the impact of our policies and practices in respect of equality and human rights. We should

'Swampy Territory' The role of the palliative care social worker in safeguarding children of adults who are receiving specialist palliative care This qualitative study explores the role of the palliative

Social Care Issues Affecting Older Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual People in the UK A Policy Brief Primrose Musingarimi November 2008 ILC-UK www.ilcuk.org.uk Made Possible By: The International Longevity Centre

CARING FOR LGBTI PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA A GUIDE FOR HEALTH AND AGED CARE PROFESSIONALS CARING 2 CARING LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER AND INTERSEX (LGBTI) PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA, AND THEIR CARERS, PARTNERS,

Mental health and social wellbeing of gay men, lesbians and bisexuals in England and Wales A summary of findings Report funded by in collaboration with and Mental health and social wellbeing of gay men,

Gay Men s Support Work Evaluation Report to Big Lottery Fund December 2014 Page 1 of 7 Context Of an estimated 107,800 people living with HIV in the UK, 40% live in the greater London area and the majority

Policy/Strategy/Project/Procedure/Service/Function Title: Proposed Council budget reductions to grant funding to the Third Sector Infrastructure Partners New Who is responsible for developing and implementing

Australian ssociation Practice Standards for Social Workers: Achieving Outcomes of Social Workers Australian Association of Social Workers September 2003 Contents Page Introduction... 3 Format of the Standards...

Lead and manage service provision that promotes the well being of Overview This standard identifies the requirements associated with leading and managing practice that supports the health and well being

East Ayrshire Below you will find information relevant to CCPS members which has been taken from the Single Outcome Agreement published in June 2009. Information is ordered in the following topic groups:

Equality and Diversity Policy Author: Deputy Director of HR Version Number: V.2.00 Date: 27/01/11 Approval and Authorisation Completion of the following signature blocks signifies the review and approval

Evidence to The Commission on Assisted Dying 23 rd February 2011 My name is Suzy Croft and I am Senior Social Worker at St. John s Hospice, the hospice for Central London. I am a member of the Association

SERVICE SPECIFICATION FOR: Dual Diagnosis Mental Health and Substance Misuse Supported Housing Service The specification describes the Service to be delivered under the Steady State Contract for Provision

Developments in nurse education in England Summary BSMHFT employs 1319 registered nurses and 641 health care assistants 53% of the total workforce. BSMHFT works in partnership with Birmingham City University

Summary of the law on SEXUAL ORIENTATION DISCRIMINATION This booklet sets out the basic employment rights to which workers are entitled under the sexual orientation discrimination provisions of the Equality

Sheffield City Council Draft Commissioning Strategy for services for people with a learning disability and their families September 2014 1 Sheffield City Council: Draft Commissioning Strategy for services

Integration Briefing 1 Disabled Facilities Grant Funding via Better Care Funds An Opportunity to Improve Outcomes Purpose For whom Where To explain the changes to the provision of national government funding

A Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Bexley Listening to you, working for you www.bexley.gov.uk Introduction FOREWORD Health and wellbeing is everybody s business, and our joint aim is to improve the health

Guide Guide 12 Assessment and services from your local council in England This guide explains about how to ask for a needs assessment and what support services you may receive from your local council if

Understanding NICE guidance Information for people who use NHS services Borderline personality disorder NICE clinical guidelines advise the NHS on caring for people with specific conditions or diseases

SOCIAL SUPPORT, MENTAL HEALTH, AND QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG OLDER PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV Findings from the HIV and Later Life (HALL) project EXECUTIVE SUMMARY October 2015 Lifelong Health & Wellbeing Research

Overview This standard identifies the requirements when promoting healthy living for children, young people and families. This includes working with families to help them identify healthy living options,

Swansea Drugs Project Sa f ren ing Supporting d Chi r Safegarding and a u l d g e This booklet is aimed at professionals in the City and County of Swansea who work with children and families where there

Homelessness: A silent killer A research briefing on mortality amongst homeless people December 2011 Homelessness: A silent killer 2 Homelessness: A silent killer December 2011 Summary This briefing draws

Abuse of Vulnerable Adults in England 2011-12, Final Report, Experimental Statistics Published: 6 March 2013 We are England s national source of health and social care information www.ic.nhs.uk enquiries@ic.nhs.uk

The CARE CERTIFICATE Equality and Diversity What you need to know Standard THE CARE CERTIFICATE WORKBOOK Equality and Diversity, Inclusion and Discrimination Promoting equality and respecting diversity

Lead the performance management of care service provision Overview This standard identifies the requirements when leading and managing the performance of the care service provision. It includes identifying

H5PJ 04 (SCDHSC0045) Lead practice That Promotes the Safeguarding of Individuals Overview This standard identifies the requirements associated with safeguarding which must permeate all your work with individuals.

Simon Community Northern Ireland welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Alcohol and Drug Commissioning Framework for Northern Ireland 2013-2016 About the Simon Community Simon Community Northern Ireland

factsheet Assessments and the Care Act Getting help in England from April 2015 carersuk.org factsheet This factsheet contains information about the new system of care and support that will come into place

Raising and escalating concerns Guidance for nurses and midwives We are the nursing and midwifery regulator for England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Islands. We exist to safeguard the health

Standards of proficiency Social workers in England Contents Foreword 1 Introduction 3 Standards of proficiency 7 Foreword We are pleased to present the Health and Care Professions Council s standards of

The National Health Service Constitution A draft for consultation, July 2008 NHS Constitution The NHS belongs to the people. It is there to improve our health, supporting us to keep mentally and physically

Promote your organisation and its services to stakeholders Overview This standard identifies the requirements when promoting your organisation and the services it provides to a range of stakeholders. The

RCN Policy Unit Policy Statement 16/2006 Acute and Multidisciplinary Working The Royal College of Nursing of the United Kingdom and the Royal College of Physicians (London) September 2006 Royal College

Promote participation in agreed therapeutic group activities Overview This standard identifies the requirements when you promote participation in agreed therapeutic group activities. This includes planning

No health without public mental health: the case for action Parliamentary briefing Smoking People with a mental disorder smoke almost half of all tobacco consumed and account for almost half of all smoking-related

OVERVIEW OF THE EQUALITY ACT 2010 1. Context A new Equality Act came into force on 1 October 2010. The Equality Act brings together over 116 separate pieces of legislation into one single Act. Combined,

Lead and manage the provision of care services that deals effectively with transitions and significant life events Overview This standard identifies the requirements associated with leading and managing

NHS Swindon and Swindon Borough Council Executive Summary: Adult Alcohol Needs Assessment Aim and scope The aim of this needs assessment is to identify, through analysis and the involvement of key stakeholders,

for England 21 January 2009 2 NHS Constitution The NHS belongs to the people. It is there to improve our health and well-being, supporting us to keep mentally and physically well, to get better when we

Patient Survey This questionnaire is about your care and treatment for cancer. Its purpose is to provide information which can help the NHS monitor and improve the quality of health services for future

1 IMPROVING DENTAL CARE AND ORAL HEALTH A CALL TO ACTION February 2014 Gateway reference: 01173 2 Background NHS dental services are provided in primary care and community settings, and in hospitals for

How can professional regulation encourage healthcare professionals and social workers to be more candid when care goes wrong? Professional Standards Authority Consultation Report compiled by Joe Godden,

Written Evidence from the College of Paramedics This evidence is submitted on behalf of the College of Paramedics for the Home Affairs Committee's inquiry on Policing and mental health. INTRODUCTION The

Care Programme Approach (CPA) The Care Programme Approach (CPA) is the system that is used to organise many people s care from 'secondary mental health services'. This factsheet explains what you should

H5NC 04 (SCDHS0024) Support the Safeguarding of Individuals Overview This standard identifies the requirements associated with safeguarding which must permeate all your work with individuals. The standard

Psychological support for adults living with HIV Everyone living with HIV is entitled to specialist psychological support Although many people living with HIV do not have psychological problems, specialist

Dual Diagnosis Dr. Ian Paylor Senior Lecturer in Applied Social Science Lancaster University Dual diagnosis has become a critical issue for both drug and mental health services. The complexity of problems

NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH AND CARE EXCELLENCE Guideline scope Workplace health: support for employees with disabilities and long-term conditions Short title Workplace health: employees with disabilities

SUBMISSION BY COMMUNITY LEARNING SCOTLAND (CLS) Summary Lifelong learning needs to support a social justice agenda by promoting access by the most marginalised groups in society, through appropriate support

The Code Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses and midwives Introduction The Code contains the professional standards that registered nurses and midwives must uphold. UK nurses and

EQUALITY ANALYSIS FORM Introduction CLCH has a legal requirement under the Equality Act to have due regard to eliminate discrimination. It is necessary to analysis the consequences of a policy, strategy,

We said, You said, We Did: Young Carers Consultation feedback August 2016 The consultation ran from 9 May 2016 to 28 Jul 2016. Methods of engagement were: Online Survey 54 respondents Focus group sessions

Standards of Conduct and Practice for Social Care Workers NOVEMBER 2015 Introductory Notes About us The Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) was established in 2001 as the regulatory body for the

Guidance on professional conduct For nursing and midwifery students 1 We are the nursing and midwifery regulator for England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Islands. We exist to safeguard the

Workforce capacity planning model September 2014 Developed in partnership with 1 Workforce capacity planning helps employers to work out whether or not they have the right mix and numbers of workers with

Advice for employers NAT gratefully acknowledges the support of the Trust for London (formerly the City Parochial Foundation) who funded this resource. HIV@ Work - Advice for employers 1 As a responsible